Antique Poster - DE LA MANO EDUCATED PIG

Please note: this is NOT a reproduction- this is an authentic piece printed in 1877!

Wonderful and authentic antique poster for DeLaMano, a 19th century traveling magician working in America. The poster, from 1877, advertises the Educated Pig act performed by DeLaMano in his show. An Educated Pig was a popular attraction in the 1700s and 1800s; the act involved a live pig who appeared to be able to count, spell and do simple math tasks by tapping its feet. "De La Mano" means "of the hand"- in Italian.

Broadsides like this were meant to be disposable items, slapped up on the broad side of buildings in towns just prior to the arrival of the magician, then ripped down after his departure. Thus, such delicate pieces of magic history are rare to find today.

The DeLaMano material was discovered in 1987 by Peter Monticup, the owner of MagicTricks.com. Locked away in a trunk and hidden for over 100 years in the rafters of a barn in upstate New York, these advertising materials provide a rare link to the incredible story of a 19th century traveling magician.Read all about DeLaMano and the amazing discovery of his posters and personal magic items. This poster was found still carefully wrapped in the original printer's invoice dated 1877.

Size: 5" x 14"

Color: grayish white paper, black ink

Condition: very good- never folded. A note about condition: These posters are in excellent condition for being over 100 years old, and being printed inexpensively on thin paper. Occasionally a poster may have minor age spots, minor paper or ink fading, minor paper discoloration and or slight chipping of the paper on the edges. Because they have never been folded, they do frame up very nicely!

Please note: this is NOT a reproduction- this is an authentic piece printed in 1877!